8.31.2009

We had a wonderful road trip weekend. We left Friday afternoon headed to Asheville, NC to celebrate our 3rd anniversary. Upon arriving, we went straight to trek Chimney Rock. If you enjoy a good hike with a great view, then you will enjoy your visit to Chimney Rock {there is an elevator available if you cannot hike the stairs, they are steep}. Those who are afraid of heights, this may not be your favorite location to visit. And to give warning to anyone who may get car sick, the road we took to get there is a very winding road.

After our hike we went back to freshen up for dinner. We had a lovely evening in town, but I didn't take any pictures. But we highly recommend Tupelo Honey Cafefor a delicious dinner and Early Girl Eateryfor breakfast {though they don't open until 9am on Saturday}.

After breakfast on Saturday we headed over to the Biltmore Estate. We have never been to the Biltmore house and property, but will definitely return. The weather was perfect for our visit. We arrived at 9:30am for our tour and didn't leave {except to go get Tucker (dogs are allowed on the grounds, but not allowed in any buildings)} until 3pm, but could have spent the whole day there. There is so much to do! The house tour does not allow interior photography, but I wish they would. There were so many architectural details I would love to have photographed. {We took over 500 photos, so it was hard to select which to show}

After the house tour we headed to the River Bend Farm and kitchen garden {another garden to envy}. They have everything, from peanuts to mums! Outside the old barn they have an animal farm that allows you walk among the farm animals {chickens, goats, sheep, rabbits...}. I am a horse lover, so meeting a Belgian was another highlight of the day.

After leaving the Biltmore and before heading out of town, we stopped by Tobacco Barn Antiques {a must for antique junkies - sorry for no photos}. We purchase another trunk {up to 3 now} for only $30! On our way home we stopped and camped out at Tallulah Gorge State Park. On Sunday we hiked the Overlook points, because dogs are not allowed on the gorge floor (bummer). This is another recommendation for any hikers out there. After getting on the road again, we swung through Helen and Nacoochee, GA {taking Jennifer's advice}. Nacoochee Grillis a must if you are in the area! Along the way home, the hubby stopped at two or three other antique places {I scored a wire letter holder for $1 and six Cottage Livings to add to the collection}.

8.27.2009

I am pretty sure I would enjoy being friends with Fiona Richards, the artist behind the blog of Cafe Cartolinaand Cartolina Cards. Anyone who is 'a sucker for rust, peeling paint and an old, worn patina', is a friend of mine.

8.20.2009

This househas me swooning, mainly because of all the windows: elongated, triple-hung, and mullion-free corners; they are all there. Other design delights is the vertical siding, horizontal skirting, and metal roof. Oh, and the waterfront location is divine!